Family Day

Celebrate your Family of Colonels!

Saturday, Sept. 26

Family Day is back for 2026! Join us for this opportunity for friends, family and current students come together to celebrate with campus events, traditions, and plenty of Colonel pride!

Register For Family Day

Family Day will afford you many opportunities to spend time together as a family, as well as to meet faculty, staff, administrators, friends and other Âé¶¹´«Ã½families.

2026 Family Day Schedule

Campus Dining Hall Hours

Henry’s Dining Hall will be open for brunch and dinner during Family Day.

  • Location: Henry Student Center, 3rd Floor
  • Brunch: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  • Dinner: 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Colonels Corner Campus Bookstore Hours

Visit the Colonel Corner, located on the 1st floor of the Henry Student Center for the latest in Âé¶¹´«Ã½apparel and accessories.

  • Location: Henry Student Center, 1st Floor
  • Hours: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Registration

Henry Student Center, First Floor

Family Day registration will be held in the Henry Student Center on the first floor to check-in for the day, pick up your pre-purchased t-shirt and receive your wristband to enjoy the day’s events.

12 - 5 p.m.

Sordoni Art Gallery Exhibition

Sordoni Art Gallery, Karambelas Center

Visit the current exhibition, Of Place and Passage: Actions and Images by Stephan Koplowitz, which explores the artist’s evolving language of site-responsive choreography—spanning early photobooth experiments, large-scale public performances, and new works engaging with artificial intelligence. From the optical play of camera obscura to digital and telematic collaborations, Koplowitz reveals how body, space, and image continually shape one another.

12 - 3 p.m.

Mega BBQ Bash

Fenner Quadrangle

Join our Mega Councils and University Clubs for our annual BBQ Bash on the Greenway! Enjoy a bounce house, yard games, photo booth, arts and crafts, and more!. 

1 p.m.

Field Hockey vs. Elizabethtown College

Schmidt Stadium

Watch the Âé¶¹´«Ã½Colonels take on the Elizabethtown Blue Jays field hockey team at Schmidt Stadium. Transportation from the Henry Student Center to the Ralston Athletic Complex will be available.

2 - 4 p.m.

Open Climb

McHale Athletic Center

Join Âé¶¹´«Ã½Adventure Education (WAE) at the rock wall in the McHale Athletic Center for a climbing adventure. This is the perfect opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself while having fun with your family and friends. Whether you’re a seasoned climber or a beginner, this event is designed to help you test your skills, build confidence and create memories. Don’t miss the chance to conquer new heights!

4 - 5 p.m.

Bingo with the e-Mentors

Jean and Paul Adams Commons (JPAC)

A special twist on a Âé¶¹´«Ã½tradition! Join the e-Mentors in the JPAC for a chance to win some fantastic prizes. Whether you’re a bingo pro or a first-timer, this event promises a good time to be had by all. Don’t miss out on the fun!

5 - 7 p.m.

Off-Campus Dinner

Various Locations

Enjoy an off-campus dinner with your family! A number of downtown, local restaurants are open and ready for you!

7 p.m.

Football vs. Montclair State University

Schmidt Stadium

Watch the Âé¶¹´«Ã½Colonels take on the Montclair State Red Hawks football team at Schmidt Stadium. Transportation from the Henry Student Center to the Ralston Athletic Complex will be available, and your wristband will grant free game entry.

What to Do While Visiting Your Âé¶¹´«Ã½Student

Looking for things to do when you come to campus? Take a look at some of the cool activities right around the corner from Wilkes! Northeast Pennsylvania is home to , an , and even axe throwing at . Celebrate Fall with a visit to one of our many .

Resources

Find out where to stay, what to do, and more to get the most out of your trip to Wilke-Barre!

Contact Us

Email familyday@wilkes.edu  email link if you have any questions about Family Day.

You can also visit the Âé¶¹´«Ã½ Parents page for additional important upcoming dates.

Accessibility

Âé¶¹´«Ã½ is an equal opportunity institution. For more information, please consult our nondiscrimination policy statement.

Patrons requesting accommodations or services at Âé¶¹´«Ã½ or university-sponsored events in accordance with The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title III: Public Accommodations are asked to contact University Events.

It is recommended that requests be made at least five (5) business days prior to any event.

University Events